A demonstration of applause greeted this announcement, but it came mainly from the officers.
"But I wish to say, that though I have considered substantially the same plan several times, I should not now introduce it if you had not asked for it. The present is certainly the fairest plan, for it places all upon an absolute equality, and under it every officer is indebted entirely to his own merit for his position, and not at all to the favor of his instructors or his friends among the ship's company. A change, therefore, is more properly inaugurated by you than by me.
"I am informed by the committee that the vote was not unanimous, and one member of the committee did not choose to appear with the delegation."
"He was notified of the meeting of the committee," said De Forrest.
"I was notified," replied Scott; "but the meeting of the committee was held in the after cabin, which I am not permitted to enter."
The opposition applauded till the snap of the bell silenced them.
"This does not look exactly like fair play, especially as Scott is supposed to represent the opposition to the change."
"He was notified of the time when the committee would wait upon you, sir, in the main cabin, but he declined to attend," answered De Forrest.
"If there was a preliminary meeting of the committee, he ought not to have been excluded from it," added Mr. Lowington. "Your proceedings must be revised, and the opposition must be heard."
"Mr. Lowington, as a member of the committee, I withdraw all opposition," interposed Scott.